MathDB
Math Prize 2022 Problem 9

Source:

October 12, 2022

Problem Statement

Let PQO\triangle PQO be the unique right isosceles triangle inscribed in the parabola y=12x2y = 12x^2 with PP in the first quadrant, right angle at QQ in the second quadrant, and OO at the vertex (0,0)(0, 0). Let ABV\triangle ABV be the unique right isosceles triangle inscribed in the parabola y=x2/5+1y = x^2/5 + 1 with AA in the first quadrant, right angle at BB in the second quadrant, and VV at the vertex (0,1)(0, 1). The yy-coordinate of AA can be uniquely written as uq2+vq+wuq^2 + vq + w, where qq is the xx-coordinate of QQ and uu, vv, and ww are integers. Determine u+v+wu + v + w.